Publications & Sites 
La Grange Race Unity Rally again to focus on education
Updated: October 7, 2012 6:18AM
LA GRANGE — Educational equity for all students is again the focus of the 21st annual Race Unity Rally in La Grange Sept. 9 after last year’s engaging presentation on the topic.
Lyons Township High School Principal David Franson will be the keynote speaker of the program beginning at 3 p.m. at the Village Hall, 53 S. La Grange Road. The event is sponsored by the CommUNITY Diversity Group.
Franson has been asked to provide an update of efforts between LT and feeder schools to improve minority student achievement through programs based on needs identified by tracking student performance.
“When a program is set forth, we need to ask them to be accountable and give information back as far as what’s going on,” said rally organizer Linda Eastman of La Grange.
“We’re always hopeful there will be good news, even if it’s small improvements in scores, so people are not just talking about it, but living it,” she said. “A conversation means nothing without action.”
Last year’s speaker, educator Bea Young, outlined differences between equality and equity. Equality assumes the same opportunities, but equity recognizes differences in the social and political structure and proposes support so minorities have the opportunity to succeed, Young said.
The rally also features skits and dance performances by members of The LeaderShop, a La Grange-based youth development group. The organization will be recognized with the diversity group’s annual achievement award for promoting service and an understanding of diversity among area teens.
In addition, the diversity group is sponsoring a movie and discussion two days before the rally at the La Grange Public Library, 10 W. Cossitt Ave. “The Help” will be shown, beginning at 5:45 p.m. Sept. 7 in the library’s lower level.
“It’s a good opportunity to sit down and talk,” Eastman said. “We always want to keep the conversation going.”
